Kids are full of energy and they love to explore new things. They build what is in front of them with the materials that they have available, which can be blocks, LEGOs, or other items. The type of building blocks that you provide for your child will influence their creativity and imagination! In this blog post we will take a look at the different types of building blocks kids enjoy playing with and learn about some great sets for children to get started on their creative journey!
Table of Contents
Educational blocks (Alphabet, numbers etc.)
Blocks are a great way to help kids learn their letters and numbers. There are many different types of educational blocks, from alphabet blocks to number blocks. Some sets even come with a variety of shapes, so kids can learn about basic geometry too.
Most educational block sets also include a handy storage case, which is great for keeping everything organized.
Wooden blocks
Wooden blocks are great for preschoolers who like to build. Wooden building toys come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors which is exciting for the children. With wooden building bricks they can follow their imagination of how to put them together in order to make something innovative that they have never seen before. Before putting your child into this toy category, check the age recommendation on the blocks.
Some brands of wooden blocks contain small pieces that can be a choking hazard for children under three years old. The good news is that there are many toy companies who make safe and durable wooden blocks so you don’t have to worry about your child swallowing anything dangerous.
One downfall about wooden blocks is that they can be heavy for children to hold, especially younger toddlers. It’s recommended for parents to get their child a toy box or alternative storage container so the pieces don’t end up getting lost in your house.
Lego & Duplo blocks
Lego and Duplo blocks are the most popular building sets for kids. They come in a variety of themes and characters, which makes them exciting to collect. Lego has many different types of playsets for children: Star Wars Legos, Ninjago Legos, City Legos etc., while Duplo also features large block sizes that are perfect for small hands.
Both Lego and Duplo blocks are compatible with each other, so your child can create even bigger structures by combining the two sets. However, Duplo blocks tend to be a bit more expensive than Lego blocks.
If you’re looking for a less expensive option that is still high-quality, then Mega Bloks are a great choice. These building blocks are perfect for children who want to build bigger structures that have more detail, but don’t need all of the bells and whistles offered by other brands.
Mega Bloks Building Instructions
Mega Bloks are great for kids who love to build. They’re made of big kid-friendly pieces that are easy to handle, and they come in all sorts of shapes, colors, textures and sizes. There’s no limit to what you can create with them! These building instructions will show how your child can make a fun tower using Mega Bloks.
What you’ll need:
Mega Bloks in assorted colors and shapes
A flat surface to build on
Instructions:
Step One: Start by building a tower with the blocks. This will be the base of your structure. Make sure that it’s stable and can support the weight of the blocks above it.
Step Two: Layer with another row of Mega Bloks, but make sure that you angle them slightly as you place each new block on top. This will give your structure a slant and allow for more interesting shapes later on in the building process!
Step Three: Keep adding rows to build out from your tower. Make your shape more complex by adding different shaped blocks in each layer.
Step Four: Decorate the outside of your creation with Mega Bloks that are all one color, or mix it up and use a variety of colors to create patterns on the surface! The fun part about building is using your imagination to make anything you want. Be creative and have fun with it!
So, there you go – a guide on how to use Mega Bloks to create awesome structures. Your child will have hours of fun building towers, houses, castles and more. With so many blocks to choose from, the possibilities are endless! Be sure to check out our other blog posts for more ideas on how to keep your kids entertained. Have fun!
Magnetic blocks
Magnetic blocks are one of the most popular kinds of building toys for kids. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but generally they’re either squares or triangles that have magnets inside them. When you put two cubes together with opposite poles facing each other (north to south), they snap together securely. However, if their like poles (north to north or south to south) touch, they repel each other. This makes them a very versatile toy because you can create all sorts of shapes and structures with them.
One downside to magnetic blocks is that if two kids are playing with them and their magnets accidentally touch, they can end up getting pulled apart. So if you have kids who always seem to be jostling around with each other when they play, this may not be the best building toy for them.
Although magnetic blocks are very fun and versatile toys that can help develop your kid’s spatial awareness and problem-solving skills, it’s important to keep in mind that all of the blocks are made with magnets inside. So if your child swallows one, it could attract itself to their intestines and do some serious damage. This is why most sets include a warning about children under three years old potentially being able to choke on them or swallow multiple pieces at once that can cause internal injuries.
This article will tell you all you need to know about different kinds of magnetic blocks that are out there, what their benefits are, and where to get them.
Foam blocks
However, foam blocks are not as durable as other types of blocks, so they may not be suitable for older kids who are looking for a more challenging building experience.
Castle building blocks
Building castles is a great way to let kids’ imaginations run wild. There are many different types of castle building blocks available depending on what look you want for your child’s masterpiece! A solid wooden castle with towers and turrets is perfect if your child wants something that looks like it came straight out of Disney or Harry Potter movies! Wooden castle building blocks are also great for kids that love animals.
There are many different types of castles available to buy with or without towers! If you’re looking in the $30 range, there is this beautiful wooden LEGO Disney Princess Cinderella Castle built out of 100 pieces and recommended for ages six years and up.
If you’re wanting something a little cheaper, there are many plastic castle building block sets available on Amazon for around $15 that come with anywhere from sixty to one hundred and eighty pieces! These tend to be a little more colorful and detailed than the wooden sets.
Rainbow blocks
These blocks are brightly colored and can be stacked in a number of ways. They are often used to teach children colors and shapes. These blocks are usually made of plastic and can be quite heavy.
Bristle blocks
Bristle Blocks are a great educational toy for toddlers. These blocks help teach colors, shapes and fine motor skills as your child builds towers or the bristles will stick together too much which can make it difficult to build with them.
Bristle blocks are made of polypropylene, a sturdy and durable material that is safe for children.
The bristles on the block allow your child to build three-dimensional models such as pyramids or towers which can help with hand eye coordination skills too! They also provide tactile feedback allowing them to feel the structure they have built.
Materials: Which different materials are building blocks made of?
Different building blocks are made of different materials that contribute to their durability. The best types of material for a block depend on the age and developmental stage in which your child is playing with it, as well as what you find most appealing. For example:
Wood-Wooden blocks tend to be classic toys because they can stand up against years of wear and tear. They’re also a great way to teach children about shapes and colors, as different blocks come in a variety of shades and textures.
Plastic-Plastic blocks are lightweight and often come in fun, vibrant colors. This makes them perfect for younger kids who are just starting to learn how to play with building blocks. Plus, they’re easy to wipe down and can be thrown in the dishwasher for a quick cleanup.
Metal-Metal blocks tend to build kids’ hand-eye coordination, as well as their ability to work with different angles. They also come in fun colors that your little one will love when playing pretend games or imagining what kind of world he’d like to build.
Wood/Plastic-Not every building block is made entirely of one material, but instead contains a combination of materials that can include wood and plastic together. This gives the blocks added durability while still giving your child plenty of options for both colors and textures when playing with them.
Acrylic-These translucent blocks are perfect for teaching children about how light interacts with objects, as well as geometry. Plus, they can be easily stacked and arranged in any number of ways to create new shapes and scenes.
Cardboard-Though not always the most durable material, cardboard building blocks are perfect for little ones who love pretend games or imaginative play. They’re also great for travel because they can be easily folded up and stored away.
Other Less-Common Building Blocks Materials
There are a variety of other materials that can be used to create building blocks, though they are not as common. Some of these include metal, glass, and ceramic. Metal blocks are usually made from aluminum or brass and can be quite heavy. Glass blocks are often used in stained glass work and come in a variety of colors and shapes. Ceramic blocks are usually made from porcelain and can be quite fragile.
Each of these materials has its own unique properties that can add an extra dimension to block building. Metal blocks, for example, can be heated or cooled to change their shape, while glass blocks can be lit from within to create a beautiful effect. Ceramic blocks, on the other hand, are often painted or glazed.
Categories: What are the most popular types of building blocks?
There are main categories of building blocks for kids. These include interlocking, geometrically shaped, modular and architectural sets. See the list below to find out more about each category!
Interlocking: these are probably the most well known type of building blocks. They can be used for all sorts of things, but they’re especially popular among preschoolers and kindergartners because they’re super easy to use! The interlocking bricks work by snapping two pieces together which allows kids to quickly create structures without much effort. Plus, interlocking building blocks are often compatible with other major brands so kids can build even more structures using their existing pieces!
Geometrically Shaped: these types of building blocks have a different shape than the traditional rectangular brick. The shapes of geometrically shaped sets include triangles, spheres and arches which help create buildings that look more like the ones in real life. Plus, this type is especially popular with kids who are interested in architecture because it helps them visualize their designs better!
Modular: these types of building blocks are very similar to interlocking bricks but they’re more flexible since they can be combined together to create different structures or used on their own. Modular blocks are often square or rectangular in shape and can be connected in a variety of ways to create all sorts of structures.
Architectural: these types of building blocks are the most challenging for kids but also the most rewarding! Architectural sets contain pieces that look like real life buildings, complete with roofs, walls and windows. This type is especially popular among older kids who are interested in architecture because it helps them visualize their designs better!
What Are The Most Popular Brands?
There are many different brands of building blocks for kids, but these three offer the best collections in terms of variety and quality:
Lego Building Sets : Lego is one of the most well known companies when it comes to building blocks and for good reason! They offer a wide range of sets that are perfect for all kinds of builders, from preschoolers to older kids. Plus, their pieces are always high quality and compatible with other brands.
K’NEX Building Sets : K’NEX is another great company when it comes to building blocks. Their sets are perfect for kids who want to create more complex structures since they offer a wide variety of pieces in different shapes and sizes. Plus, their blocks snap together easily so kids can start building right away!
Tegu Magnetic Blocks : Tegu is a newer company that offers amazing magnetic blocks. The best part about these blocks is that they stick together easily so kids can create structures without having to worry about their pieces falling apart. Plus, the blocks are made from high quality wood which means they’re eco-friendly and safe for children of all ages!
What Are The Best Brands For Interlocking Building Blocks?
The best brands that offer interlocking building blocks include Lego, Mega Bloks and Tinkertoy. These companies all offer high quality pieces that are compatible with other brands, making it easy for kids to create even more complex structures!
What Are The Best Brands For Geometrically Shaped Blocks?
The best brands that offer geometrically shaped blocks include Lego, Mega Bloks and K’NEX. These companies all offer high quality pieces that are compatible with other brands, making it easy for kids to create even more complex structures!
What Are The Best Brands For Modular Building Blocks?
The best brands that offer modular blocks include Lego, Mega Bloks and K’NEX. These companies all offer high quality pieces that are compatible with other brands, making it easy for kids to create even more complex structures!
What Are The Best Brands For Architectural Building Blocks?
The best brands that offer architectural blocks include Lego and K’NEX. These companies all offer high quality pieces that are compatible with other brands, making it easy for kids to create even more complex structures!
FAQs
What are blocks for toddlers?
Blocks are a classic toy for toddlers, and there are many different types of blocks available on the market. Wooden blocks are typically the most popular type of block for toddlers, as they are durable and can be used to create a variety of structures. Other types of blocks that can be fun for toddlers include foam blocks, magnetic blocks, and soft blocks.
Blocks are a great way for toddlers to develop their fine motor skills, as they must use their hands and fingers to stack and connect the blocks. Blocks can also help promote creativity and problem-solving skills, as toddlers will often come up with new designs for their block structures.
If you are looking for a fun and educational toy for your toddler, consider purchasing a set of blocks.
What are the different types of blocks for preschoolers?
The most common type of building blocks for preschoolers are the standard sized, rectangular shaped piece consisting of a smooth fabric-covered wooden cube. These types of pieces have been used in classrooms and learning centers.
Other popular block types include foam blocks, knobbed blocks, soft bricks, and unit blocks. Foam blocks are lightweight and can be easily squashed which makes them a favorite for toddlers. Knobbed blocks have protrusions on all six sides that help develop finger strength and dexterity. Soft bricks are made from a fabric material and are soft to the touch, making them ideal for babies. Unit blocks are exactly what they sound like – individual blocks that can be put together to create all sorts of structures.
It’s important to keep in mind that not every child is going to enjoy the same type of block. You can try out different types of blocks with your child to see which ones they like best.
How do I teach my toddler to play blocks?
There are a few different ways to teach your toddler how to play with blocks. You can start by showing them how to stack the blocks, and then have them try it themselves. You can also show them how to build towers or houses with the blocks. As they get better at playing with the blocks, you can challenge them to create more complex structures.
The best way to teach your toddler how to play with blocks is to let them explore and experiment on their own.Blocks are a great way for toddlers to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills. They can also help improve your toddler’s hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
Some parents find it helpful to buy their toddlers different types of blocks. For example, you can purchase flat blocks that are easier for your toddler to build with and stack on top of each other. You can also buy more complex block sets that contain a wider variety of shapes and colors.
Another thing parents might want to consider is getting a set of building cards. These cards come with a variety of pictures that show how to build specific structures using blocks. This can be a great way for your toddler to learn new building techniques.
Whatever type of blocks you choose, make sure they are safe for your toddler to play with. Avoid blocks made from harmful materials like lead paint or plastics that may release harmful chemicals.
Happy building!
Are blocks sensory play?
Blocks are an excellent way to engage in sensory play for kids. Sensory toys provide children with unique ways to interact, explore and learn using their senses of sight, smell, taste touch or hearing. Blocks also teach fine motor skills by requiring children to use their hands to manipulate the blocks while stacking them up on top of each other.
What are the benefits of building blocks?
Building blocks have many benefits for children. They help with hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills, and creativity. Children can use building blocks to create anything they imagine. This helps them learn how to think outside the box and come up with new ideas. Building blocks are also a fun way for children to explore their creative side.
Blocks are a great way to help children develop early literacy skills as well. Children can use blocks to build words and letters to practice their spelling, handwriting, letter recognition, beginning sounds, etc. Building blocks also make an excellent educational gift for toddlers and preschoolers who are just learning to read. Just like with other toys reading is encouraged when playing with blocks by making up stories and giving instructions to the “character” your child has built.
How do you improve block play?
With more blocks! What types of building blocks are there? There’s a huge variety that your child will love to play with.
The classic toy is Lego, who makes many different kinds of building sets for children as young as two and as old as twelve. Other popular options include Duplo (ages one to five), Nanoblocks (ages six and up), Tinkertoys (ages three and up), K’nex (ages seven and up), and Magna-Tiles (all ages).
Blocks are a great way to improve your child’s dexterity, problem solving skills, engineering abilities, and more. With the right blocks and some creativity, your child can engage in a rewarding hobby that will benefit them for years to come!
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Conclusion
The different types of building blocks for kids can provide a variety of fun and educational experiences. It is important to consider the child’s age, interests, and abilities when selecting blocks. Whether you choose traditional wooden blocks or something more high-tech, there are plenty of options available to create hours of fun!
